Hi GLW, I've camped at Port nam Murrach many times - but gave up using the place several years ago except in winter as it gets too busy. There will be plenty others there, and numerous kayak companies use it for camping. The landowner put cattle on it a couple of years ago to deter some of the numbe...

I compleated on Stuchd an Lochain in 2006, a fairly unused compleation hill. It does have some advantages as a final hill though; being a relatively short day, decent views and not too high so the necessary Victorian style provender could be carried up - game terrine, port, smoked venison, that sort...

Hi Victoria,

Take a look at Alpkit. Well designed, good quality gear for both men and women at keen prices and more standard colour ranges

Kind Regards

Ian

Hi Victoria, The Cairngorms generally is a great area for walking with kids - you're on the busier side of the hill around Aviemore etc but there's something for everyone in terms of distance, ascent and variety. If the kids are already reasonably strong walkers, something like starting at Drumguish...

Hi Lori, Have you used a double sleeping bag previously? If so, apologies - you'll already know this, but... the downside is that it's difficult to keep your shoulders and neck warm when things are a bit chilly, when one person turns over the other will be dragged around, you'll probably need a doub...

Hi rgf,

Take a look at the Alpkit Arlo folding trowel - neat, strong and pretty light, and reasonably priced. Comes in a sheath so you're not paking a muddy trowel back in your pack

https://alpkit.com/collections/camping-accessories/products/arlo-folding-trowel

Kind Regards

Ian

The car parks around Tomintoul seemed all open, and i understand that the public toilets in the village are as well (but didn't actually check that).

Queen's View quiet in the morning but all spaces taken (approx 8 cars) when we got back late afternoon.

Kind Regards

Ian

Just to add to my last post, these links may be useful if visiting the Cairngorms area:

https://cairngorms.co.uk/working-together/car-parks/

https://cairngorms.co.uk/working-together/public-toilets/

Kind Regards

Ian

Thanks for that link Sunset Tripper, I have to agree with the consensus view that FLS and other bodies have had plenty of time to think about this. I don't really accept that all their staff have been locked down until yesterday - there's been plenty of noise criticising the amount of bog roll etc l...

my best bet would be to camp near a beach where a gentle breeze will lull you to sleep...no midges either :D As a sea kayaker, I really, "really" wish this was the case! :think: Some of the very worst midge experiences I've had have been on beautiful beaches Lori - Scotland's a big old pl...

Hi Stu, Primus flasks. Simply the best I've ever used, they'll keep water hot enough for a brew after 12 hours. Not cheap but very good.

Kind regards

Ian

Brilliant - always worth getting out on a clear night with sonw on the hills!

Kind Regards

Ian

Thanks Graeme - it's worth getting out

Hi Mgmt - what a fantastic night you enjoyed on the Cobbler! My own walk was very much lastminute dot com in planning and getting out - but like you I have the next full moon already marked 9and the solar eclipse this month!)

Kind regards

Ian

"The most difficult expedition to achieve on mountains in this country is a moonlight climb in winter. Not that the difficulties are technical. A full moon among snow-mountains will normally provide visibility of twenty-five miles - if the sky be clear. And that is the root of the problem : to...

Great stuff - a hill pretty local to me but I've yet to climb it; every time I go to Cullen there's a sea kayak on top of my car!

Really like the images with the hill's shadow, looks like you had a super day for it

Kind regards

Ian